Got a minute?

Valentine’s Day! These two words conjure up images of romance, hearts, flowers and love. Love was in the air on a cold, snowy Valentine’s Day 33 years ago when my husband and I said our “I do’s”. I would love to tell you that our choice of Valentine’s Day was because of how romantic it would be, but, that would not be telling the truth. Truth is, the first date I selected was opening day of some hunting season and 2/14 was the next date the church had available. So, that is how it came to be that my anniversary is on Valentine’s Day.

You never really know where inspiration for a blog will come from and thankfully mine came yesterday at a meeting I attended. The presenters shared with us a story (which is too long to share here) that really resonated with me. The lesson to be learned from the story was that all our loved ones really want from us is our time.

There are an infinite number of things we can buy each other for Valentine’s Day and other holidays, but, let’s be honest, we all have stuff. We all have an embarrassment of riches to be grateful for. While the stuff we can buy is infinite, the time we have to spend with our loved ones is finite and we never know when we won’t have any time left.

I would like to suggest that instead of purchasing a gift, you give the gift of your time. I’ve got a few suggestions for you:

Cook a meal together. Start by planning the menu together, do the shopping (don’t forget to include a great bottle of bubbly), set the table, turn on your favorite music and enjoy your time together in the kitchen. After dinner try a little dancing!

Take a pottery class…one word, one movie: Ghost.

Go Ice Skating. The rink at Empire State Plaza is open (assuming Mother Nature cooperates). You can rent skates and it’s a very inexpensive date. Hold hands, share a cup of hot chocolate.

Unplug! Turn off the TV, your phones, your computer! Write up 10-15 questions to ask each other…topics could include childhood memories, hopes for the future, fears, anything that starts conversation. You’ll be amazed what you didn’t know about your partner!

If you are looking for a night out, I’ll just offer one shameless suggestion and check out Longfellows Valentine’s Day events. We have two great nights planned! The amazing Garland Nelson will be with us both Saturday and Sunday…check out our website for more details!

Time, it’s fleeting and it’s what our loved ones want most of all. Now that my husband has passed, Valentine’s Day is bittersweet for me, but if I had one wish for myself it would be for one more time, one more anniversary with him.

My wish for all of you is that you have a fun, romance filled holiday! Love to all of you!